Closure order granted following persistent Anti-Social Behaviour at Chester flat

Police have closed down a flat that has blighted a community in Chester city centre with persistent drug use and anti-social behaviour.

On Wednesday 27 March officers from Chester Local Policing Unit (LPU) secured a closure order for the property in St Georges Flats.

Officers applied for the order, which was granted by Chester Magistrates’ Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, after gathering a catalogue of evidence in relation to numerous anti-social behaviour and drug related issues connected to the property.

Following the hearing the 55-year-old tenant has been removed from the property and the address has been boarded up for a period of up to three months.

Police Constable Gemma Nicolson said: “Over recent years there have been numerous reports of drug related and anti-social behaviour connected to the apartment.

“The behaviour of the tenant and his numerous visitors was totally unacceptable and had a significant detrimental impact on the quality of life of local residents; many of whom were left fearing for their own safety.

“We want people to be able to live in their homes without having to endure this sort of behaviour and this closure order is another example of our commitment to targeting those who undermine our communities and bring misery to residents.

“Chester LPU will continue to focus their attention on people who are complacent with allowing their properties to be used for antisocial or criminal activity, and anyone who does so risks losing their home.

“I want to thank the local residents for their support. Officers will continue to monitor the property over the coming months to ensure that there are no breaches of the closure order.”

Over the next three months regular checks of the flat will be conducted to ensure the closure order is not breached. If anyone is found to have breached the order they are liable to arrest and up to six months′ prison, or a £5,000 fine, or both.